Automakers Suing EPA over Higher Ethanol Mix Gas

Washington (AP) - Automakers and engine manufacturers are suing the Environmental Protection Agency over a plan to allow the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol.

The Obama administration ruled in October that gas stations could start selling the ethanol blend for vehicles built since the 2007 model year. It's an increase from the current blend of 10 percent ethanol.

In the lawsuit, the trade groups question whether the EPA's approval for E15 fuels for only certain vehicles violates the federal Clean Air Act. They say the engines could be damaged by too much corn-based fuel.

The ethanol industry has said the agency should have allowed the higher blend for more vehicles.

The petition was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.